The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking experts to serve as members of an ad-hoc expert consultation that will contribute to an update of existing and to consider development of new WHO toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for dioxin-like compounds, including some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
This call for experts provides information about the ad-hoc expert consultation in question, the expert profiles being sought, and the application and selection processes
Background
Since the early 1990’s, WHO has organized expert meetings with the objective to harmonize the toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for dioxin and dioxin-like compounds on the international level, thereby giving recommendations to national regulatory authorities. TEF expresses the toxicity of dioxins, furans and PCBs in terms of the most toxic form of dioxin, 2,3,7,8-TCDD. The latest WHO TEFs for dioxin and dioxin-like compounds were established by WHO through expert consultations in 2005. Since then new data including data on relative potencies (REPs) have been published and complied into REP databases. TEFs are determined using a database of REPs that meet WHO established criteria using different biological models or endpoints. The new data indicate a need to update the 2005 WHO TEFs values and to consider the inclusion of additional chemical compounds.
To support this meeting the WHO together with external partners have prepared an updated database containing all studies published up to 2021 for which REPs values are known. This REPs database will be used as a starting point for updating existing WHO TEFs and to consider development of new WHO TEFs for additional dioxin-like compounds, including some PCBs.
Based on the above, high interests from scientific communities, national competent authorities and Codex Alimentarius members WHO plans to update the 2005 WHO TEFs values during an expert consultation to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, 17-21 October 2022.
Objectives of the call
The objective of the call is to identify qualified experts who are willing to serve as a member of the expert group, “WHO initiative to update the 2005 WHO TEF for dioxin and dioxin-like compounds”. Terms of reference of the group are to:
- Advise WHO on the methodology to update 2005 TEF values dioxin and dioxin-like compounds;
- Review toxicological and epidemiological data needed to update and review the 2005 WHO TEFs values dioxin and dioxin-like compounds;
Successful candidates should meet most or all of the following qualifications:
- Hold an advanced university degree(s) in toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, pathology, epidemiology, molecular biology or statistics;
- Scientific excellence evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed specialized journals;
- Professional experience in evaluating chemicals as contaminants or a related field;
- Practical experience in reviewing, analyzing, evaluating, and extrapolating experimental, animal, and other biological data on toxic chemicals to humans;
- Experience in delivering scientific assessments at the national or international level;
- Ability to converse in and write documents in English;
- Ability to prepare documents and spreadsheets in electronic format;
- Ability to participate in-person at the expert consultation taking place held in Lisbon, Portugal, 17-21 October 2022;
- Ability to work with people from different cultural backgrounds as well as with scientists from various disciplines; Familiarity with the risk analysis processes, in particular processes relevant for JECFA and Codex.
Application
Interested applicants are invited to submit a CV (no more than 10 pages in A4 format), filled Declaration of Interest (DoI), and a list of publications, no later than 10 June 2022 (CET). An applicant shall be made available by his or her employer for engaging in this WHO work and be released for an international meeting at least once a year and quarterly teleconferences.
Criteria and process for selection of experts
The criteria for the selection of experts are the basic and essential qualifications together with the proven competence and expertise in the various areas as described above. The curriculum vitae of the applicants will be reviewed on the basis of the criteria listed above by a selection panel of three or more individuals including at least one independent, internationally recognized expert appointed by WHO. The purpose of the panel review is to determine whether the applicants meet all the essential requirements. The highly qualified individuals selected from the applicants will be used by WHO to invite experts to the expert consultation to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, 17-21 October 2022. In selecting experts consideration will also be given, in addition to scientific and technical excellence, diversity and complementarities of scientific backgrounds, representation from all geographic regions including developing and developed countries as well as gender.
Appointments of experts
Experts will be selected in their individual capacity on the basis of their expert knowledge to give advice on specific topics. The term "personal capacity" means that the expert is expressly expected to serve in his/her capacity as an independent expert rather than a representative of his or her employer. The views of the independent expert would not necessarily be reflective of any views and positions of his or her employer. All experts will be required to complete a Declarations of Interest form before participation in any expert meetings can be confirmed.
Experts do not receive any remuneration from the Organization. However, when attending meetings by invitation of WHO, they shall be entitled, in accordance with the administrative regulations of the Organization, to reimbursement of travelling expenses and to a daily living allowance during such meetings.
Applications should be submitted by 10 June 2022 to:
WHO Focal Point
Kim Petersen
Department of Nutrition and Food Safety
World Health Organization
Email: kpetersen@who.int